Navigating the Path to Freelancing Success

Are you ready to embark on an inspirational freelancing journey into the realm of freelancing? Allow me to introduce myself – I am Iftekhar and I reside in the small yet vibrant and dynamic country, Bangladesh, on the world map. I’m here to share a truly inspiring story of my inspirational freelancing journey.

Begin Your Inspirational Freelancing Journey

In this digital age, freelancing has emerged as a beacon of opportunity, beckoning individuals from all walks of life to explore its vast horizons. It’s a world where talent knows no boundaries, where you can transform your skills into a thriving career, and where resilience and determination can pave the path to success.

A Pivotal Moment

But before we delve into the intricate details of this freelancing voyage, let me take you back to a pivotal moment in my life – a moment when adversity struck, but it also ignited the spark of possibility.

Diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

In 2012, a diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) altered the course of my life dramatically. Amidst the sterile walls of Tata Medical Center in Kolkata, I embarked on a journey of recovery, contemplation, and self-discovery.

Discovering Solace in Web Development

As I grappled with the uncertainties of life, I found solace in an unexpected place – the world of WordPress and website development. With nothing more than my laptop and a relentless spirit, I began my journey into the intricacies of web design. Little did I know that this newfound interest would not only become my lifeline but also the cornerstone of my freelancing career.

From Adversity to Achievement

In the following sections, I will narrate my journey from adversity to achievement, providing valuable insights for anyone considering a freelancing career. I will also shed light on the challenges, rewards, and the essential mindset required to succeed in the competitive world of freelancing.

So, whether you’re a seasoned freelancer looking for inspiration or someone considering freelancing as a career option, join me as we unlock the doors to this exciting world, where determination, skill, and perseverance can lead to a prosperous future.

Let’s embark on this journey together.

My Inspirational Freelancing Journey

Before embarking on my freelancing career, I spent six years working in the television industry. However, in 2012, my life took a drastic turn when I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). That same year, I began cancer treatment at Tata Medical Center in Kolkata. During those six months, I found myself confined to the hospital bed, contemplating my life. I wondered, if I survive, what will I do? I had a wife and children to support, and my job prospects looked bleak.

Overcoming Challenges through WordPress

At that time, my knowledge of websites and WordPress was limited. I had heard about WordPress but had never delved into it. While surrounded by the chaos of a hospital filled with medical equipment, I took out my laptop and started learning WordPress. It was a way to pass the time, but little did I know it would become my lifeline.

With just Google as my learning resource, I purchased a domain and hosting over the phone and installed WordPress by following online tutorials. I began experimenting with it while lying in my hospital bed. While nurses and doctors bustled around me, I was immersed in the world of WordPress.

I discovered that there were countless blogs and websites that provided solutions to WordPress-related queries. Names like WPBeginner and WPEngineer come to mind. These resources were my primary means of learning, and they were incredibly helpful, providing clear instructions even for those with basic English skills.

Embarking on an Inspirational Freelancing Journey with Realwebcare

After returning to my home country, I faced numerous challenges. Over the next two years, I battled several health issues due to two years of maintenance chemotherapy. In December 2014, all my chemotherapy ended, but the following year, I was diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis (AVN) in both my hip joints. I had to undergo Core Decompression surgery on both legs. These surgeries added to the difficulties I faced, but I persisted in my WordPress education.

At the end of the same year, 2015, I launched Realwebcare, primarily as a domain and hosting business. Alongside, I learned to create WordPress plugins, and now I have seven free and five premium plugins.

I sell these premium plugins through my website, Realwebcare, and I am grateful that this venture helps support my family. I am grateful to Almighty Allah that I can take care of my family’s needs while working from home.

What I do online is a passive income of freelancing. I don’t exclusively work on any particular platform; I develop WordPress plugins and sell them through my own establishment. Additionally, I occasionally take on part-time work on Fiverr. Few years ago, I was a Level One seller on the platform, and these two facets of my career coexist harmoniously.

Who Can Freelance?

So, the question now is, who is freelancing for?

I’ve shared my own example thus far to demonstrate that even with numerous challenges, anyone can pursue this profession. Can anyone do it? Yes, anyone can, but it requires a considerable amount of effort and time. You won’t become proficient in just three months, despite the assurance provided by many training centers, often resulting in disappointment.

You see, freelancing is open to everyone, but the competition is fierce. You’ll be competing not only with freelancers from your own country but also with individuals from the world’s largest nations like the US, UK, Australia, and more. Clients want 100% satisfaction from you. If you can’t satisfy them, your career may come to an end. So, you need to prepare yourself mentally for this challenge when entering this profession.

Benefits of Freelancing

1. Flexibility to work from anywhere.
2. Potential for higher income.
3. Opportunity to work on diverse projects.
4. Independence and control over your career.

Understanding Freelancing to Embark Your Inspirational Freelancing Journey

Freelancing is somewhat like this: After four years of undergraduate study, you become eligible for a job. Then, after working for five more years in the same field, your experience is evaluated. So, four plus five, it takes nine years to establish yourself. Freelancing is no different. It’s a mental preparation that you must have when entering this field. This mentality applies to almost all professions, not just freelancing.

The purpose here is to make you understand the importance of this line of work, the challenges it presents, and the amount of pressure it entails. Saying it’s free doesn’t mean it’s easy. You may finish your work and want to sleep in the morning, but you must respond to clients urgently. Even if you don’t want to, you have to respond. Otherwise, your reputation will suffer, making it difficult to find work in the future. That’s why it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of yourself and your capabilities before venturing into this profession.

Know Your Limits

Understanding your limitations is crucial. Many may argue that there are no bounds to human capability, that people can achieve anything they desire. But is that a realistic perspective? Can we truly accomplish whatever we wish? For instance, could you leap from the fifth floor without assistance? Undoubtedly not; your hands, feet, or bones would shatter.

So, there is a limitation. It’s not possible. What should you do then? Try to achieve a little less than the highest point. You attempt to leap from the first floor. Make it so attainable that leaping from the first floor feels somewhat similar to leaping from a chair. What happens next? You become quite skilled at leaping from the first floor. You can do it with your eyes closed. You understand your limitation. You know you can’t jump from the fifth floor. You can only jump from the first floor. So, what do you do? You work on becoming exceptional at leaping from the first floor.

If you attempted to jump from the fifth floor without realizing your limitations, your hands, feet, and bones would undoubtedly break. This loss might have taught you that it was extremely challenging or impossible for you. The opportunity was squandered. Don’t look to others. You don’t need to know how much someone else can achieve or what they can do. Look at yourself first. Try to understand yourself. With this understanding, gradually elevate yourself.

Why Choose Freelancing?

Freelancing can be a lucrative career choice due to the demand in the international market and the current economic situation in the country. Many young individuals are completing their education every year, but the job market is not expanding accordingly. This has led to increased unemployment rates. On the other hand, there is a growing demand for skilled workers in the international job market. If you choose to develop your skills and seek work in the international market, you can find opportunities. With dedication, you can build a successful career in this field over time.

Learning and Working

In recent years, the freelance industry has shown promising growth, making it a potentially bright future career option. Many people wonder how to start in this field. First and foremost, you need to understand yourself and your skills. Explore various online marketplaces to get an idea of what kind of work is in demand and what skills are required. For instance, if you visit platforms like Fiverr, you will find freelancers showcasing their skills and expertise in various fields. A “gig” on Fiverr essentially summarizes your skills.

For example, you can create a gig that says, “I can set up any WordPress theme within an hour.” If someone needs theme setup services and they come across your gig, they may contact you. You can then negotiate the job and agree on a rate. If you complete the job satisfactorily, you’ll earn money. This is how Fiverr works, and similar principles apply to other online marketplaces. Therefore, it’s crucial to get an idea of the marketplace and select the type of work you can excel in.

Steps to Start Your Freelancing Journey

1. Assess your skills and interests.
2. Research freelancing platforms and opportunities.
3. Create a professional online profile.
4. Build a portfolio showcasing your work.
5. Start bidding on relevant freelance projects.
6. Deliver high-quality work and build your reputation.

Navigating Your Learning Journey: Online Resources and Beyond

To learn, the internet is your best resource. There are numerous video tutorials available online that provide step-by-step guidance on how to perform various tasks. You can find plenty of tutorials in Bengali, making it easier for you to learn. However, if you wish to gain in-depth knowledge and guidance, you may consider joining coaching centers or seeking guidance from experienced professionals. Nevertheless, always ensure that you have a solid understanding of the basics before seeking advanced training. Never rely solely on others, and don’t expect that enrolling in a coaching center will teach you everything.

Quick Tips for Freelancers

1. Set clear goals and priorities.
2. Communicate effectively with clients.
3. Continuously update your skills.
4. Manage your time efficiently.

Your Inspirational Freelancing Journey Begins

As we draw the curtains on this exploration of the freelancing world, one thing becomes abundantly clear: freelancing is not just a career; it’s a journey. It’s a journey filled with challenges, opportunities, and the potential to transform your life.

From my own inspirational freelancing journey, I’ve learned that freelancing is not a path for the faint-hearted. It’s a path that demands dedication, resilience, and continuous self-improvement. It’s a realm where you’ll encounter global competition, and your skills will be your most valuable assets.

But let me leave you with a piece of encouragement. In the online marketplace, there is still a considerable shortage of skilled freelancers. This shortage translates to a world of opportunity for those willing to invest the time and effort into mastering their craft.

So, whether you’re a newcomer just starting or an experienced freelancer seeking inspiration, remember this: Your inspirational freelancing journey begins with a single step. Learn, adapt, and thrive. Embrace the demands and pressures, for they are the crucible in which your skills will be honed to perfection.

In the world of freelancing, there are no geographical limitations. You have the potential to represent your country on the global stage. You have the power to earn foreign currencies while working from the comfort of your home.

I invite you to seize this moment. Dedicate yourself to your craft, understand your limitations, and set realistic goals. The freelancing world is waiting for your unique talents, and the possibilities are boundless. Embrace this moment and embark on your very own inspirational freelancing journey.